Wetland birding habitat

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 221 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Northern Flicker among many others. Coastal and forest habitats support impressive year-round resident species and seasonal migrants.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

5/31/2026Waterfront Park, Medical Lake US-WA2 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

5/31/2026Jolly Jack, South Cheney Spangle Road, Cheney, Washington, US (47.418, -117.495)1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/28/2026Jolly Jack Pond2 observed

Sage Thrasher

Oreoscoptes montanus

5/25/2026West Plains Area--W McFarlane Rd.1 observed

Black-capped x Mountain Chickadee (hybrid)

Poecile atricapillus x gambeli

5/23/2026Palouse to Cascades Trail--Pine Creek to Rock Lake1 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

5/23/2026West Plains Area--W McFarlane Rd.1 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

5/21/2026James T. Slavin Conservation Area2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

5/29/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

5/29/2026

Willow Flycatcher

5/29/2026

Common Raven

5/29/2026

Tree Swallow

5/29/2026

Pygmy Nuthatch

5/29/2026

Marsh Wren

5/29/2026

Bewick's Wren

5/29/2026

American Robin

5/29/2026

Cedar Waxwing

5/29/2026

Chipping Sparrow

5/29/2026

Song Sparrow

5/29/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

5/29/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

5/29/2026

Canada Goose

25/29/2026

Mallard

25/29/2026

Wild Turkey

15/29/2026

Mourning Dove

15/29/2026

Virginia Rail

25/29/2026

Sora

15/29/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Pack rain gear — the best birding often coincides with drizzly conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Mallard, Northern Flicker, Western Bluebird, House Finch. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge?
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.